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 Cornish
Rex Cat Breed Profile
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Cornish Rex Breeders
(Australia
Only)
Cornish
Rex Photos
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Myruna
Cattery
Cornish
Rex HistoryThe discovery of the Rex
mutant gene in farm cats from Cornwell, England in the early 1950's was
undoubtedly the most exciting event in the cat world this century. In a
relatively short span of time, the breed has gone from strength to strength with
the Cornish Rex cats making their presence felt on the show bench. The Cornish
are taking their fair share of Best in Show awards, and are literally forcing
the Cat Fancy to 'sit up and take notice'!
Cornish
Rex PersonalityOnce seen, never
forgotten. The Cornish Rex cat is delightful, distinctively different,
constantly charming and captivating. Rexes need people, and given a choice will
spend most of their time with humans. When they are free to choose their own
sleeping quarters, their first choice is the owners bed. This is partly due to
their desire for warmth. Even tempered and very affectionate, they also appeal
because of their extremely quiet voices.
It is hard to find words
to do justice to all Cornish Rex fine qualities, but whether as a show cat or just as
a pet, no-one could be immune to their magnificent coat. The Cornish Rex is
truly one of natures miracles.
In personality, the Cornish
Rex is extremely affectionate and people-oriented. They are also active cats
whose kitten-like antics last for their lifetime and who can be very inventive
in their play.
The Cornish Rex is one of the few
breeds which enjoy the crowds and excitement found at a cat show. Where other
cats are frightened or annoyed by the many onlookers and the noise, the Cornish
Rex watches with interest. They like people and they also like to participate
in their activities. Using its paws like hands, a Cornish Rex can pick up small
objects, and some have even learned to turn door knobs and open doors. Give a
Cornish Rex a piece of string and watch it go into action. Its movements are,
like its very body, a study in curves as it jumps, dances and rises up on its
hind legs. Its keen intelligence is observable through the alert interest with
which it regards people and their antics. Yet the same Rex who has just been
gracefully flying through the air will be very happy to cuddle up on its owner's
lap or, even better, right under his chin. Truly a study in contrasts, a
Cornish Rex is one of the most versatile pets with a mood to match every
occasion-it is truly a cat for all seasons. When not paid the proper amount of
attention, the Cornish will make their feelings known.
Cornish
Rex Traits
 In spite of its delicate
appearance, the Cornish Rex is a surprisingly hardy breed and does not require
any unusual care. An active cat who loves to exercise, it has no problems
creating its own entertainment. While most mature cats outgrow their kittenish
playfulness, a Cornish Rex never loses interest in games, and as an adult is as
playful as a kitten. Because it is active and likes to participate in all
household goings-on, the Cornish Rex does not take well to being caged. Cornish
Rex that are raised in confinement without close human contacts lose their zest
for life. Their coat becomes dull, the curl disappears, and they pine away. To
be a family member with free run of the house represents the best life for a
Rex. The Cornish Rex loves heat and will get as close as possible to its
source. If your home has electric baseboard heat, your Rex will spend winter
days sitting right on top of the heater, and in summer will enjoy basking in the
sun even during the hottest part of the day.
Cornish
Rex Coat
The
Cornish Rex have soft, wavy, rippled coats which lack guard hairs, and
therefore they don't shed like other cats. This means that the Cornish Rex
require very little grooming, and they don't deposit hair all over the
house. This also means that this breed of cat is one to
consider if you are a allergy sufferer.
The Cornish Rex has been
compared to the Whippet dog because of its slender athletic build, curved
contours, arched back, and willowy body. From torso to tail the Cornish Rex is
long and lean. However, do not let the willowy form fool you-the Cornish Rex
is no weakling. Under that ultra short fur are strong bones and muscles. The
defining characteristic of the breed, however, is its very short, close lying,
very soft wavy fur. The entire coat is curly or wavy, sometimes compared to the
design of a washboard. They have a marcel wave. Although completely lacking
guard hairs-the long, stiff, outer hairs that act as a barrier against the
elements-the Cornish Rex's coat is made up of the soft inner down and awn
hairs, with down hair predominating. The lack of guard hairs make the Cornish
Rex's coat very soft touch. The soft, warm feel is luxurious. The coat
requires very little grooming. They do not shed like other breeds, but the
short, fine hair is hard to see, and they don't deposit their hair over the
furniture like other animals. Fanciers often compare the feel of the Cornish
with warm suede or crushed velvet.
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